Bookings Closed: Please note that bookings for this Camp have been closed. Please get in touch with us to be contacted in the event of a place opening up due to cancellation.

CAMP HIGHLIGHTS

Two nights and three days in the world-renowned Kabini River Lodge

A fascinating experience in one of India's richest tiger habitats

A great holiday in the lap of Nature

A treasure of photography learning

A whale of a time with a friendly, patient and helpful Camp Skipper

A riveting expedition that is sure to have them asking for more

There's an explorer in every child. Let them be it.

On the banks of a picturesque river, against the backdrop of a rising sun, the calls of an eagle cut through the morning air as an elephant grazes peacefully on the verdant grass. Suddenly, the langur monkeys, watching on quietly hitherto, cough out in alarmed frenzy at the sight of a leopard walking out regally. It's just another day in an Indian forest but could be a life-changing experience for an impressionable mind.

If you want to let your child know what it is like to be enveloped by a blanket of stars, taste the magic of the wild and have a fun-filled outdoor holiday; if you would like your growing child to grow green, the time to act is now.

CAMP SYNOPSIS

Snaking its way pristinely through the Nilgiri Biosphere, the Kabini, the backwaters of which part Nagarahole from the adjoining Bandipur, forms a spectacular backdrop to the abundant wildlife of the region.

Composed of mixed deciduous forest, its green environs are well-endowed with mystery, beauty and mesmeric charm, which seep into your veins thick and fast. In its hallowed folds it harbours such riches that in summer, its receding width draws hundreds of elephants to its banks, and in winter, it attracts a spectacular variety of avian life to throng its misty surface and green shores.

What will be seen and photographed?

Kabini can be explored by multiple modes. While the vehicle safari offers high chances of producing a leopard sighting, the boat safari provides tremendous opportunity to learn about birds, mammals and even reptiles, in a breathtaking setting. Huge crocodiles can sometimes be seen basking in the late afternoon sun and some fortune can produce the coveted sight of otters.

Often seen hanging off a tree like an enticing fruit, the Kabini leopard adds a dash of orange panache to a dominance of green environs. There is consensus that spots seldom come in a more desirable form than on an indolent leopard in its high-rise quarters regarding the affairs below with contempt. And on occasion, when in a more down-to-earth mood, a sight of it sitting by the track or crossing your path like a poem on legs can stick to your memory cells inseparably.

Rubbing shoulders with Nagarahole's most famous penthouse-tenant is a multitude of wildlife, including a thriving population of the endangered Asiatic wild dog. The Kabini area is also a part of the largest refuge of the threatened Asiatic elephant and is still home to magnificent tuskers.

Highlights of avian life include the white-bellied woodpecker, the osprey and the greater spotted eagle; winter migrants, of which the peregrine falcon is perhaps the most notable; and four Western Ghats endemic species including the Nilgiri wood pigeon.

CAMP SKIPPER

Phillip Ross

Phillip Ross is without doubt the 'little master' of wildlife photography. Still young and already boasting an astounding portfolio, Phillip exudes the same precocity and talent as the big cats he is famously known to share a special relationship with. When out in the wild, Lady Luck is his faithful friend, and back in the civilized world, captivating stories of his experiences are a staple source of fascination for those who enjoy the pleasure of his acquaintance.

An avid angler, great raconteur and naturalist par excellence, Phillip uses his passion for wildlife to spread the joy of nature through his infectious ways to adults and children alike. Having explored wilderness areas throughout India as a photographer and naturalist, Phillip has won many laurels, including a Wildlife Conservation Award in 2009 for his report on saving the Bannerghatta National Park. And courtesy of his skill, imagination and technical mastery, his work has been used in various magazines, newspapers, journals and calendars for embellishment and education through his incisive lens.

TESTIMONIALS BY PREVIOUS CAMP PARTICIPANTS

Kids who were a part of a similar Camp previously said:

This Camp was just amazing! Meeting people and making new friends, the service at our lodge, which included the food and the comfort of our tents, and the wildlife made the camp a roaring success, literally, as we saw a leopard which entered our resort caught on the camera trap and some of us saw three tigers! That was my first sighting of a wild tiger! It has been a wonderful experience with Phillip and the Toehold team off safari and on safari as well!
- Arnav Pai, Bangalore

Absolutely awesome! A very home-like and informal feeling. I made new friends and this camp sparked an interest in photography and wildlife.
- Ankit Ranjan, Bangalore

Having no big cat in my country, I was really looking forward to seeing my first tiger in the wild, and the big male we sighted on the first evening in Bandipur made my dream come true! The atmosphere was most cordial and the company was fun. I look forward to coming back next summer!
- Samantha Whiting, The United Kingdom

It was very good. We saw a tiger on a Friday, the 13th, so it wasn't bad luck for a supposedly bad day. All the activities were fun and I learned a lot from Phillip.
- Shashank Reddy, Bangalore

The view from the room was just beautiful! Also, I really enjoyed waking up to the spotted deer feeding just outside the window and the lovely Nilgiri hills.
- Sathya Ram, Mysore

The camp was great fun! We learned camera-trapping in the beautiful jungle. Phillip also taught us how to do time lapse photography and gave us a lot of knowledge on the wildlife. The tiger sighting was my favourite moment of the trip and I hope to come back and see more tigers.
- Shweta Manohar, Bangalore

Bookings Closed: Please note that bookings for this Camp have been closed. Please get in touch with us to be contacted in the event of a place opening up due to cancellation.

Please click on any thumbnail and use the left and right arrow keys to navigate between photos in the gallery.

Bookings Closed: Please note that bookings for this Camp have been closed. Please get in touch with us to be contacted in the event of a place opening up due to cancellation.

DAY 1 23 May 2017: Arrival and First Safari

We depart Bangalore at the crack of dawn and proceed to be enchanted on our much-awaited Kids Wildlife Tour. After a quick breakfast stop on the way, we soon reach our welcoming resort at Kabini.

After check-in and a scrumptious lunch, Skipper Phillip Ross will introduce the children to the art and science of wildlife photography. There will also be a brief on the wildlife found in the area.

For this evening, the group will depart on a vehicle safari, where we explore the wildlife hotspots and keep our eyes peeled for surprises.

We return to the resort at dusk, after enjoying the many sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Over bonfire and dinner the children get to know one another better and discuss the unique experience of the safari in Kabini.

We end the night with a session of entertainment followed by a presentation on wildlife conservation.

DAY 2 24 May 2017: Morning and Afternoon Safaris in Kabini

An early morning wake-up call and tea will set the tone for the morning safari at 6:30. Cutting through the curtain of mist that gives the forest a surreal feel, we pursue materialization of wildlife and very possibly try some of the tips and techniques discussed in the ChaayaaChitra

ChaayaaChitra: Photography Techniques, Tips, Tricks

session the previous night.

Upon our return from the excursion at 9:00 a.m., a hot breakfast will await us, and after satiating our hunger we retreat to our rooms to refresh and rest awhile, meeting again at noon for an interactive session full of fun and learning.

After lunch, perhaps a brief nap and tea, we enjoy the fascinating experience of a boat safari, watching riverside wildlife, and the children get to learn an immense lot about forest ecology and the various species from their ever-enterprising Skipper.

Having spent a cumulative five hours in the wild for the day, we walk into camp a happy bunch and relate our tales over tea, following which the Skipper will facilitate a light-hearted discussion of the day's events.

We tuck in for the night after enjoying an appetizing dinner.

DAY 3 25 May 2017: Final Safari, Checkout and Return

The final morning of the Camp arrives as we wake up to the melodious bird-songs outside our windows.

Hoping for a fitting climax to a great excursion, we embark on the last safari at the usual hour in the morning. And since cat activity is at its peak during the early hours of the day, there is every possibility of the trip ending on a high note.

After the safari and breakfast we gather for a final rendezvous before checking out at 11:00 a.m. and driving back to Bangalore, where you eagerly wait to hear your child's tales.

Bookings Closed: Please note that bookings for this Camp have been closed. Please get in touch with us to be contacted in the event of a place opening up due to cancellation.

IndividualsINR 18,900/-Inclusive of service tax

Per child on triple-sharing accommodation

BuddiesINR 37,100/-Inclusive of service tax

For two children on triple-sharing accommodation

Junior PatronsINR 18,400/-Inclusive of service tax

Per child on triple-sharing accommodation

Junior Patrons: Children who have participated in at least three previous Toehold Camps or Workshops

Inclusions

Triple-sharing accommodation in comfortable tents

All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages (coffee and tea)

Bottled Water

All safaris and entry fees

All applicable taxes

Exclusions

Airfare if any

Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours, extra meals and beverages ordered

Insurance, laundry and phone calls

Camera fees if any

Soft drinks

Anything that is not expressly mentioned in the inclusions list

Payment Terms

100% Camp fee in advance for confirmation

Cancellation Fees

10% outside 30 days before the camp

25% between 29 and 22 days before the camp

50% between 21 and 15 days before the camp

75% between 14 and 8 days before the camp

100% within 7 days before the camp

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

Terms and Conditions

Participants who have a medical history of blood pressure, heart-related problems or asthma are advised to seek medical advice before enrolling for this Tour.

Fitness to complete the Tour is the only criterion for participation.

Toehold Travel & Photography Pvt Ltd. shall not be responsible for injuries, damages, or losses caused to any traveller in connection with terrorist activities, social or labour unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel partner's control.

Bookings Closed: Please note that bookings for this Camp have been closed. Please get in touch with us to be contacted in the event of a place opening up due to cancellation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend this Camp?

Anybody between 10 and 16 years of age is welcome to join the Camp. There are no other eligibility criteria.

How many participants can be expected to attend?

Your child can expect a maximum of 15 other kids for company. The Camp strength has been kept down to ensure smooth running of the event and quality time with the Skipper for each kid.

What sort of accommodation can my child expect?

Accommodation will be in luxury tents in a well-furnished resort with all the basic amenities (electricity, running water, hot food etc) available. Each tent will be shared by three children.

By what mode will children explore the forest on this Camp?

Children will enjoy the wilderness mostly in a safari vehicle, but also by boat.

What about my child's safety during the event?

Your child's safety is of paramount importance to us. The Skipper leading this Camp has been trained by Toehold on child protection; child behaviour and development; health and safety; activity programme delivery; and Toehold's code of conduct, policies and procedures. The Skipper will accompany the children on all activities and the Camp will have at least one staff member qualified in administering First Aid, at all times.